Overview
Agricamping combines camping with a working farm. On Elba, it is promoted as the most authentic and sustainable way to enjoy the island: you stay among vineyards, olive groves and hills with sea views, often just a short walk from the beach . These small structures, usually run by local families, provide basic comforts (heated showers, electricity points, fresh water and sometimes a farm shop), while immersing guests in nature and rural life . The Hotel Giardino team assembled this guide to help travellers choose the right agricamping and plan their trip .
Why choose agricamping on Elba?
- Sea and countryside in one holiday – Enjoy Elba’s Caribbean‑like beaches and its cultivated countryside. Agricampings allow guests to spend the morning on the beach and the afternoon under olive or pine trees, helping with vegetable harvesting or animal care .
- Tranquillity and family atmosphere – These campsites are small, with few pitches or glamping tents, meaning personal attention, quietness and reduced crowds .
- Immersion in protected nature – Many agricampings sit inside the Tuscan Archipelago National Park; you sleep under star‑filled skies and wake to bird song .
- Local produce and experiences – Guests can taste or buy farm products such as wine, olive oil, honey and vegetables and sometimes join harvests or olive pressing .
- Strategic locations – Sites around Lacona, Marina di Campo and Capoliveri are central, making it easy to explore all parts of the island .
Main agricampings on Elba
| Agricamping | Features | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bioelba | Small organic farm near Lacona. Shaded pitches among olive and fruit trees; heated solar showers; barbecues; limited car traffic | Produces oil and honey; sells baskets of vegetables and homemade jams . |
| Orti di Mare | Bio farm near Lacona with pitches in a pine forest and glamping tents with bathroom and kitchen | Market sells its vegetables, eggs and wine; offers a bistro, bike rental and access to a private path to the beach . |
| Camping La Riccia | Near Marina di Campo in a pine wood; pitches for tents and small campers; communal bathroom block | The farmers sell fruit and vegetables; 5‑minute walk to the beach and town. |
| Agriglamping Le Piane | Agriturismo in the hills near Capoliveri; offers glamping lodges with private bathroom and kitchen, plus small pitches | Produces wine and Aleatico; panoramic views of Monte Calamita; ideal for couples seeking comfort and privacy . |
Tips for families
- Safe spaces for children – Agricampings offer wide open areas, small playgrounds, table tennis or foosball, and sometimes farm animals. Children can play freely in nature .
- Family‑friendly beaches nearby – Lacona is recommended: the long sandy beach with shallow water is ideal for kids; services include lifeguards, showers and cafés .
- Plan ahead – Book pitches early, especially in high season; bring a cool bag or portable fridge; pack insect repellent and torches for evenings .
For couples
- Agricampings can be romantic: enjoy sunset dinners under the stars, intimate glamping tents and quiet locations. A suggested itinerary might include exploring Capoliveri’s alleys, enjoying an aperitif in Porto Azzurro, snorkelling on secluded beaches and ending with a picnic at sunset .
- Glamping lodges (e.g., at Le Piane) have private bathrooms and kitchens, making them ideal for couples who want comfort within a natural setting .
Practical tips for camping
- Travel & booking – Book ferries from Piombino to Portoferraio, Rio Marina or Cavo in advance; arrive early at the port; carry a small bag for the crossing; follow safety instructions .
- Best seasons – Spring and early autumn (April–June, September) offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds; summer is hotter but breezy; evenings can be cool, so bring a light jacket .
- Choosing a pitch – Prefer shaded spots under pines or olive trees; ensure proximity to water points; check ground slope and exposure to wind.
- Equipment – A good tent, pegs for wind, sleeping bags, mats, kitchen kit (gas stove, pots, cutlery), camping table and chairs, cooler, headlamps/torches, clothesline and clips .
- Clothing – Pack lightweight clothing plus long sleeves for evenings, a windproof jacket, comfortable shoes for trekking, swimwear and hats.
- Hygiene & safety – Bring biodegradable soap, hand sanitiser, a first‑aid kit, mosquito repellent, sunscreen and a power bank .
Local regulations and responsible behaviour
Elba protects its environment and requires campers to follow rules:
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| No wild camping | Camping is allowed only in authorised areas; fines apply for illegal campsites . |
| Waste separation | Strict recycling; campers must separate paper, plastic, glass and organic waste and use designated bins . |
| Quiet hours | Silence is required at night; no loud music or noise from 23:00 to 7:00 . |
| No open fires | Fires and barbecues are prohibited outside of designated areas due to wildfire risk . |
| Respect flora & fauna | Do not pick plants, flowers or shells; avoid disturbing wildlife . |
| Pets | Dogs and cats are allowed only if the campsite permits them; pets must be kept on a lead in common areas and owners must pick up droppings . |
Places to visit near agricampings
Agricampings are often close to many towns and attractions. Distances are from Lacona:
| Destination & distance | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Capoliveri – 10 km | Hilltop village with medieval alleys, panoramic terraces, Museum of the Sea, ancient magnetite mines and beaches such as Laconella, Remaiolo, Lido, Naregno and Innamorata Events include the Grape Festival and the Legend of the Innamorata. |
| Porto Azzurro – 11 km | Picturesque harbour dominated by Spanish Fort San Giacomo, colourful waterfront and busy piazza; nearby beaches Barbarossa and Reale. |
| Portoferraio – 13 km | Capital of Elba with Medici fortresses, Napoleonic villas, museums and white‑pebble beaches. |
| Costa del Sole – 15 km | Coastal strip with sandy coves (Fetovaia, Cavoli, Seccheto) and Pomonte where a shipwreck lies near the shore; popular for snorkelling and sunsets. |
| Marina di Campo – 11 km | Longest sandy beach on the island, lively promenade, aquarium and flights at Marina di Campo airport. |
| Marciana & Monte Capanne – 30 km | Mountain village with an archaeological museum and a cable car to the highest point of Elba (1,019 m). Fresh mountain air and hiking trails . |
Hotel Giardino – an ideal base to explore Elba
Although this guide focuses on agricampings, the family‑run Hotel Giardino in Lacona shares many traits with them—nature immersion, informal atmosphere and local hospitality . Situated in a private pine forest of 35,000 m² just 100 metres from Lacona Beach, it provides an excellent base for exploring the island .
Frequently asked questions
- Why choose Hotel Giardino as a base?
- Its location allows guests to walk to Lacona’s long sandy beach via a path through protected dunes .
- By car you can reach Marina di Campo, Portoferraio, Porto Azzurro and Capoliveri in 10–15 minutes .
- The hotel is family‑run; guests appreciate the home‑style cooking, spotless rooms and friendly staff .
- The large pine park offers a peaceful refuge after exploring .
- What facilities are there for families?
- Playground with swings, slides, ping‑pong and foosball .
- Flexible kitchen offering simple menus and accommodating dietary needs .
- Buffet breakfast includes homemade sweets and local specialities .
- Families can walk to the beach in minutes; many rooms have ground‑floor patios suitable for prams .
- Outdoor and sport activities nearby
- Diving and snorkelling centres in Lacona and Capoliveri .
- Kayak and SUP rental at the beach to reach Laconella or the Capo Stella cave .
- Trails starting behind the hotel lead to Monte Orello and Capo Fonza; mountain‑bike tracks connect to Capoliveri’s Legend Cup routes .
- The hotel offers bike storage, maps and special services for athletes participating in events like the Capoliveri Legend Cup and Elbaman triathlon .
- Atmosphere for couples
- Quiet, romantic setting in the Gulf of Lacona; evening walks to watch stars and boat lights .
- Outdoor dinners in the pine garden with barbecue and Elban wine .
- Double rooms often have balconies overlooking the greenery—ideal for sunset aperitifs .
- Nearby Capoliveri and Portoferraio offer romantic dinners and strolls .
- Are pets allowed?
- Yes. Dogs and cats are welcome with prior notice. They can roam in the park under supervision and many ground‑floor rooms have patios with direct outdoor access . Owners should keep pets on a lead in common areas and avoid taking them into the restaurant .
Summary
Hotel Giardino blends the feel of an open‑air vacation with hotel comforts, making it suitable for people who enjoy camping but want more amenities, and for travellers who normally prefer hotels yet wish to stay close to nature. Reviewers praise its cleanliness, cuisine and hospitality .
Conclusion
Elba’s varied landscapes—golden beaches, medieval villages, panoramic trails and ancient mines—make it ideal for outdoor holidays. Agricampings and small nature‑immersed structures like Hotel Giardino allow travellers to experience the island authentically and sustainably . By following the practical tips on equipment, respecting local rules and exploring the surrounding attractions, visitors can wake up to birdsong, spend days snorkelling or hiking, enjoy local festivals and return at night to a peaceful spot under Elba’s starry sky . Whether you pitch a tent or choose a family‑run hotel like Giardino, Elba promises relaxing and genuine holidays .